Punchestown 13th October 2026

The Stewards authorised the following substitutions of riders at this meeting:

Owing to low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles three and four to be omitted for this race.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles three and four to be omitted for this race.

A. Harvey, rider of Howdoyalikeherhome, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders first approach to the start where it appeared that D. Meyler, rider of Labondance (FR), J.C. Gainford, rider of Accustomed, Miss N. Lockhead Anderson, rider of Lord Ffrench, Sarah Kavanagh, rider of Free Flow (USA) and E.M. O'Sullivan, rider of Live To Laugh broke into a canter causing a false start. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. Meyler and J.C. Gainford stated that the horses around them went forward and they managed to restrain their mounts as instructed. Miss. N. Lockhead Anderson stated that she was bringing her horse back all the time. Sarah Kavanagh stated that her mount is lairy and she wanted to keep her postion. E.M. O'Sullivan stated that it was a right hand turn to face the starter and he was doing his best. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted in relation to D. Meyler and J.C. Gainford. They were, however, satisfied that Miss. N. Lockhead Anderson, Sarah Kavanagh and E.M. O'Sullivan were in breach of R.208(v)(b) and having considered their clean records in this regard, they suspended each rider for one raceday.

Sam Ewing, rider of Bethpage Theatre, trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung violently left and was pulled up.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles three and four to be omitted for this race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Leo Messy, trained by Thomas Gibney, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. Further, she noted a skin wound inside the left hind hock.

D.J Gilligan, rider of Soldier Saint, trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller on the flat.

Kevin Healy, rider of Trixaboutmaisie, trained by Colin Bowe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller on the flat.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend after the stands concerning the fall of Me Wee Nannny Fran, ridden by D. Meyler. Evidence was heard from D.J Gilligan, Kevin Healy and Josh Williamson, who were riding in close proximity to the incident. D. J. Gilligan stated that he was outside Me Wee Nanny Fran and could not see clearly what happened. Kevin Healy stated that he was behind the incident but could not explain what happened. Josh Williamson stated that there was plenty of room and he did not feel he contributed to the fall which happened behind him. Having viewed the recording of the incident and in light of the fact that D. Meyler was unable to attend this enquiry as he was receiving medical attention, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Offical in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14 (ii)(b).

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Eastern Whisper (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Mr. P.W. Mullins accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards received photographic evidence from the IHRB Veterinary Officer. Evidence was also heard from S.G. Carey,trainer, regarding the Veterinary report. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. P.W. Mullins was in breach of R.10.3(g) (frequency) and R.10.3(f)(force) and having considered his clean record in both regards they suspended him for four racedays.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Mr. Neil McGrath (Chairman),
Mr. Sean Barry,
Mr. Robert Hall,
Mr. Noel McCaffrey,
Mr. L. Walsh.

The race distance of races three and four were amended to two miles and seven furlongs and one hundred and fifty three yards due to operational reasons.

Disclaimer: Please note this information is provisional and is subject to amendment until published in the Irish Racing Calendar.